Chipola Unnamed Alcove Spring
Jackson County
 
Summary of Features
  • Scale—3th magnitude, est. 
  • Scenery—Good-very good 
  • How Pristine?—Near railroad bridge, otherwise natural 
  • Swimming—No 
  • Protection—Unknown 
  • Crowds—None 
  • Access—Very good, by boat only 
  • Facilities—None 
  • Safety—Very good 
  • Scuba—No 
  • Cost—Free
 

 Directions
Accessible via boat.  From the center of Marianna on U.S. 90, go north on Jefferson Street (State Road 167—the same turn as for Florida Cavern State Park) and proceed about 1.5 miles to the bridge over the Chipola River. Put in and go downstream about 3 miles.  The spring is 300 feet south of the point where the railroad bridge crosses the Chipola River, on the west side.  GPS coordinates:  N30.45.631; W85.13.027.

For maps, driving directions, satellite imagery, and topographic representations as well as weather conditions at this spring, go to Greg Johnson's informative "Florida Springs Database" web site at the following address:  http://www.ThisWaytothe.Net/springs/floridasprings.htm#Florida

Spring Description
The spring consists of several flowpoint that form a small alcove on the west bank of the Chipola River.  The alcove is semicircular and about 20 feet in diameter.  The main flow is from a limestone opening in the bottom of the alcove on the south side.  The vent is about 1 foot in diameter, four feet deep, created a pool within the alcove, and had a visible boil.  There appears to be a smaller flowpoint 1-2 feet from the main vent and nearer to the bank.  Water flowed from the base on north side of the bank/alcove in 3-4 seeps.  The water from the spring was clear--noticeably clearer than the adjacent river water.

Use/Access
There is no apparent use of the spring.

Personal Impressions
An attractive little spring alcove.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features
Florida Caverns State Park
Three Rivers State Park
Falling Water State Park
Torreya State Park
Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve